2007 Whiteout Recognized as Top 100 Sports Illustrated Photo

Since its origins a half decade ago, the Beaver Stadium whiteout has helped to contribute to an intense football atmosphere in State College and has also received national recognition outside of Happy Valley.

Add Sports Illustrated to a growing number of media outlets that have acknowledged it in a positive way.

The magazine compiled a list of the 100 All-Time Greatest photos, and a picture overlooking Beaver Stadium during the 2007 Penn State-Notre Dame game took the 68th spot.

The game played on September 8, 2007, a contest in which the Nittany Lions won 31-10, was the first official whitehouse at Beaver Stadium. Two things stick out about this photo from Sports Illustrated photographer David Bergman when compared to some of the other featured images.

First, rather than a specific player or moment, this selection captures an entire atmosphere. Second, it is one of the more recent photos on a list that features deceased legends including Babe Ruth, Lou Gherig, and Vince Lombardi.

Other inspiring photos revolve around the 1980 Olympic Hockey Team, Brandi Chastain, Jim Valvano, and Jackie Robinson. The top ranked image features Michael Jordan hitting the game-winning shot in the 1998 NBA Finals to give the Chicago Bulls their third consecutive championship.

While the initial reaction might be to see the name of the outlet responsible for this project and bash them for a few questionablecover choices regarding the Jerry Sandusky and Penn State scandal, attempt to separate two completely different aspects.

This list spans several decades, and the photos to choose from were certainly plentiful.

The former Penn State record setting quarterback took home Pepsi Rookie of the Week honors following his impressive first NFL start that resulted in a 28-23 win for the Oakland Raiders on the road against the Houston Texans.